Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Ganglion?

April 4, 2019 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello Dr. Gehring! It's been a while since I last contacted you, the lupus patient. Everything is fine so far, my recent blood tests came back good as well!
Now, for the past 2-3 days I have been experiencing problems with my index finger, according to descriptions it seems to be a ring band ganglion. On the transition from palm to index finger (the inside of my hand), I can feel a small pea-sized lump (not visible from the outside), I noticed it because it hurts when I touch it! The texture is rather hard like cartilage, so I am not sure if it is really a ganglion.
Now I am naturally worried again, that there could be a malignant growth hiding behind it..? Can you reassure me on this? And should I see a doctor immediately? It doesn't bother me yet and it hasn't gotten worse after 2 days... Thank you and greetings.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

A ganglion can feel quite hard and is very likely due to its rapid onset and the described location. Benign things are smooth, well-defined, somewhat movable, and rounded, which fits the "pea" description.

I do not see the need to urgently see a doctor today, an appointment within the next 2 weeks should be sufficient.

I am glad that you are otherwise doing well, and wish you all the best!

Sincerely, Dr. Gehring